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A dialogue with the future.

1991. New CFC-free era in car production. The launch of the new S-class was a landmark in the history of the motor car. The new 12-cylinder 48-valve engine of the 600 SEL, for example, offered new dimensions in power and torque. But there were milestones on the production front too. From the start, no CFC's whatever were used in production of the new S-class. In acknowledgement of this, less than one year later the US Environmental Protection Agency awarded the S-class its "Ozone Protection Award".

1992. Ultra-modern production at the Rastatt plant. In Rastatt a ground-breaking new car plant was constructed. The new plant is designed for maximum flexibility in adapting economically to new products, responding quickly to innovation and in catering even more accurately for the individual wishes of its customers. The construction of this new plant also offered an opportunity to take account of ecological priorities from initial planning right through to operation. Environmental experts provided their advice on how best to integrate the plant into its environment.

1993. World first: 4-valve diesel engine in a passenger car. In 1993, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer in the world to fit a four-valve diesel engine in a car. The new engine, fitted in the new E-class models E 250 DIESEL and E 300 DIESEL, offered enhanced performance and smoothness, along with extreme longevity.

1993. A year of firsts. The company came up with two more firsts in 1993. The new C-class was the first Mercedes series whose models were offered in four different design and equipment versions. The new "small Mercedes" offers excellent value for money either as the Classic version or in the lines "Elegance", "Esprit" or "Sport".

1993. Vision A. But the fiercest discussion in 1993 centred on "Vision A", which was presented to the public for the first time this year. The radiator grille was the only feature that marked this subcompact car study out as a Mercedes. Innovative engineering was packed into very small dimensions in the "Vision A", that featured typical Mercedes safety standards, subcompact dimensions and the spaciousness of a mid-range vehicle. The first production models will leave the Rastatt assembly lines in 1997.

1994. The renaissance of the roadster. The SLK study for a small convertible was given a rapturous welcome when it was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show. SLK stands for "sportlich", "leicht" and "kurz = short". The two-seater from Stuttgart is the most exciting Mercedes in years. Fitted with the latest safety technology and offered with a 4-cylinder in-line engine with or without supercharger, it develops a maximum output of 150 or 250 hp. This new dream car will start to leave the Mercedes plant in Bremen as early as 1996. It will write a new chapter in the company's long and remarkable roadster tradition.

1994. Information technology charts the way ahead. The Stuttgart traffic management project STORM allows car drivers to programme their destination into an on-board computer. A route-guidance system then keeps the driver supplied with all the latest, most important information. In the case of traffic jams for example, the system recommends an alternative route. It also informs the driver about good connections with local public transport or provides help in finding city centre parking. Benefits include reduced traffic queues, less stress for the driver and reduced strain on the environment due to shorter journey times.

1995. The new face of the E-class. The new E-class supersedes one of the most mature and most successful cars of all times, driven today by more than 2.5 million people in 167 countries. The E-class has now been completely redeveloped and is now an even more attractive car.